A review by readingoverbreathing
Cop Hater by Ed McBain

3.0

"[Homicide] is the most exotic crime because it deals with the theft of something universal—a man's life."


I was not expecting a lot from this little mass market paperback with a People magazine quote on its cover and where the author's name dwarfs the book's actual title. I'd never pick up this kind of book on my own, the superstar bestselling author kind, where he or she turns out so many that you can't believe that quality has kept up with quantity.

But, honestly, this wasn't that bad. It's stereotypical male cop business, sure. It uses phrases like 'he was getting too old for this' more than once. It definitely doesn't pass the Bechdel test. But it was an easy read, and a lot of the time while reading I found I was actually kind of enjoying myself.

Do I sound snobby? Probably. I don't like looking down on any kind of literature, but I do find it hard to help myself here. I guess it goes to show me that there is some merit of enjoyment to be found here. McBain does a wonderful job of keeping the plot moving, jumping from perspective to perspective, but never in a way that feels rushed or overwhelming. I was also pleasantly surprised by how atmospheric his writing was; he milks the effects of the heat wave that takes place here, sure, but he milks them well, so well that you almost start to sweat yourself.

I will say I definitely saw the ending coming, although I wasn't ever totally sure I was right.
SpoilerI thought maybe it'd turn out to be an inside job, a cop killing cops, as that really would have turned the whole 'cop hater' thing on its head, but the Alice thing also made sense.
I did find the ending rather abrupt, over too quickly and tied off too neatly. At the same time, though, its swift conclusion made sense in the context of this kind of book.

I still have not yet looked over my course's discussion questions for this yet, so I'm intrigued to see what kind of conversations we'll be having about this this week. Who would have thought I'd end up with so many differing opinions on such a book?